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If your finances are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, here are housing, legal and job search resources

Wisconsin is seeing thousands more people unemployed or with reduced work hours this spring as a result of changed business operations.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development received nearly 116,000 new applications for unemployment benefits in one week alone, from March 22 through March 28.

In response, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin prepared this list as a free service for residents who are filing for unemployment payments or who have fewer hours available at work. The list includes job search, housing and legal resources.

State pleads with people to go online to apply for jobless benefits

The Department of Workforce Development recommends people who can apply for unemployment insurance online do so. That way phone lines can be open for people who have been instructed to call the state agency or those who do not have access to a computer or internet.

In the week of March 22, the state's Unemployment Insurance Division received more than 1.5 million calls — at rates as fast as 160 calls a second. The state added staff to its call center but is struggling to keep up.

Temporary jobs open up, and government checks on the way

The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board is collecting a list of temporary roles available for hiring from all of its member businesses. The list is under development. To learn more, visit the board's website or call 920-720-5600.

The federal stimulus package allows the government to issue direct checks of $1,200 to individuals who make less than $75,000, or checks of $2,400 to couples with a joint income of less than $150,000 as indicated in their tax filings. There's an extra $500 in the check for each child in the household.

Rent is still due, but state bans evictions

NeighborWorks, a Green Bay nonprofit, released a list of resources online for tenant help related to evictions, advocacy/legal rights, reporting unhealthy and unsafe conditions, and finding a place to live.

Sister Melanie Maczka, the founder of Casa ALBA Melanie, another Green Bay nonprofit, said Casa ALBA staff is telling people who are struggling with rent to pay what they can in good faith this April 1 even with the eviction ban in place. That demonstrates to the landlord you are trying to pay rent despite difficulties and that you need to stay in place through and after the ban. It also prevents an entire 60 days of back rent from accumulating.

Banks, other lenders may offer breaks

Financial counselor Becky Smith at Financial Information & Service Center, or FISC, in Menasha recommended people call their financial institutions and lenders to discuss their situations. There may be options for case-by-case accommodation and payment plans.

Officials at several banks including Nicolet, Wells Fargo and Associated Bank said they will handle individual questions and situations on a case-by-case basis. Wells Fargo has halted foreclosure sales and evictions and has donated money to address food, housing and other basic needs.

Associated has changed its policy so a consumer- and mortgage-loan payment can be deferred up to 90 days with no credit impact, halted its foreclosure activities for 60 days and provides consumer credit payment relief. Associated's Loan Servicing team can be contacted at 866-504-2774.

If you have financial counseling questions, you may call 800-366-8161 for FISC or visit FISC's website.

Clients will have to go through an online screening process to establish financial eligibility and agree to the site's limited assistance. Clients will get an email when an attorney responds to their question.

There is also the Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 800-362-9082 to help people determine whether they need a lawyer and provide referrals to attorneys and resources. This service is online. Attorneys referred through the service will charge $20 at most for the first consultation, which can last up to 30 minutes.